Rehabilitation exercises featuring the Equiband® Pro System strengthen spinal muscles and improve posture in horses

Core strengthening exercises (including handwalking with the Equiband® Pro System) have been shown to strengthen spinal muscles and improve postural stability. This is critical for rehabilitating horses returning back to work and to prevent future injury.

A study performed by veterinary scientists at Colorado State University investigated the effects of a 3-month rehabilitation regimen in lame horses. The regimen included handwalking with the Equiband® Pro System, standing on balance pads, and dynamic mobilization exercises.

The multifidi muscles along the vertebrae of the spine are important for postural stability in horses. It is thought that following periods of inactivity (such as stall rest due to lameness), these muscles can atrophy which leads to reduced stability of the spine and increased postural sway.

This team found that a rehabilitation program strengthened the multifidus muscle along the spine (increase its size) and resulted in increased postural stability (decrease in postural sway) in 12 horses recovering from lameness.

These important finding support core strengthening exercises (including handwalking with the Equiband® Pro System) can strengthen important spinal muscles, improve postural stability. These outcomes are important for returning rehabilitating horses to full exercise and avoiding future injuries.

Citation: Ellis & King. 2020. Relationship between postural stability and paraspinal muscle adaptation in lame horses undergoing rehabilitation. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science